CM Punjab calls for crackdown on social media

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has ordered a crackdown on social media posts critical of himself and the government of Punjab.

During a high-level meeting, he appeared furious when the issue of social media was discussed and instructed Police to make arrests under the Cyber Crime Bill.

He said that there was a influx of social media posts highly critical of the Punjab government which was responsible for creating a poor image which needs to be curtailed immediately.

Inspector-General Punjab has instructed police officials to take action on the directives of the chief minister.

The controversial Prevention of Electronic Crimes Bill 2016 was passed by the National Assembly of Pakistan on 11th August. It envisages 14-year imprisonment and Rs5 million penalty for cyber-terrorism, and seven-years for spreading hate material on basis on ethnicity, religion and sect and for child pornography.

However, digital rights activists have raised apprehensions that the vaguely worded bill will be use to curb dissent and freedom of speech and expression which is the fundamental right of every citizen under the constitution of Pakistan.